New At German Philately

Hi,

I am new at german stamps, and I want to ask some questions.

1.From what period can I start?
2.I have already the michel 2012 spezial 1,2 but I have some problems with the german.
Where can I find some help to this?
3.What type of album can I buy?
4. some good websites about german stamps?
Thanks

Somewhere on another thread, someone posted a link to a guide to philatelic terminology, German to English; it is published by Michel so you may find it on their website.

The German Philatelic Society has published several editions of a German-to-English philatelic dictionary. It's very comprehensive. Mine is #5, Library of Congress Catalog Card Number #79-89877. You can probably find one on ebay, in Publications.

Zumstein published a smaller guide, but in four languages besides English.

If you want a commercial album, Lighthouse (a German firm) makes very nice albums. Them are expensive though..

There are dozens of good websites about German stamps, for example:

http://www.stamp-collecting-world.com/
http://www.germanstamps.net/

It depends on what you find interesting. Modern? WW2? Classic?

On this link
http://www.briefmarken.de/international-customers
go to the .pdf for 1.) MICHEL Catalogue Introduction in English
I have found this very helpful.

I am interest in altdeutschland.

I myself am relatively new at German philately. I have learned enough to be dangerous, as they say. The Michel catalogs are invaluable. My intent is to collect all stamps through WWII, though my favorite stamps are those of the Wiemar Republic (1918 to 1933 depending on which historian you speak with).

It is also my goal to collect one cover from each German stamp issuing authority. This has proven challenging, as they rarely come up for sale and tend to be rather expensive. My most recent acquisition is a cover from the North German Confederation, a precursor to the German Empire, which was in existence from 1866 to 1871 when the German Empire was formed.

I have been on the hunt for some time for a cover from the Bavarian Socialist Republic with little luck. The Bavarian Socialist Republic lasted for approximately one month, from April to May of 1919.

Wow, you already have the Michel 2012 Germany specialized..you are serious...how a person collects is all up to them..based on my experience if I were starting Germany I would start with the modern and work back..in short I would get some experience before getting into the pricey items..i don't even know if I followed my own advice..but that was then, this is now !

Welcome and good luck!

1. The period is entirely up to you. I started with Third Reich, them expanded from there. Fair warning about starting with Altdeutschland -- it's the most difficult area to collect. Forgeries (including many very high quality ones) outnumber the legitimate copes, and it gets expensive in a hurry. Also, if you're a completist, just know that you'll never complete Altdeutschland.

2. There's a guide to Michel in English (Conker linked it above). Or just ask. I, or someone else here, can help with any questions you have.

3. If you're going to buy a pre-printed album, I recommend one of the German manufacturers (Lighthouse or Schaubek are my favorites). If you're going to specialize at all, however, I recommend building your own pages. The pre-printed albums don't cover 30% of what's listed in Michel's Specialized catalog.

4. As to websites with general info, there aren't a lot in English. Those listed above are a good start (thanks for the link, ClassicalStamps!). The German Wikipedia is actually really good when it comes to stamps, you just have to fight through the language barrier. Google Translate does an admirable job. If you're looking for sources to purchase, here's my links page with the sources I use on a regular basis.

I had to look it up - Altdeutschland means "Old Germany" and refers to the pre-empire (pre 1871) postal authorities.

As PostMaster mentioned, forgeries of German States are abundant. Prepare to invest in your library. The Michel catalogue won't help you in this regard. I recommend "Wissen Schützt vor Schaden" vol. 1 & 2 by Helmut Oppitz.

The advice given so far on this thread is sound. I've avoided Altdeutschland for the reasons given.

I also began collecting backward from most collectors. (It figures) . I wanted a "complete" country so I started with East Germany (DDR) and worked from there to the Soviet Zone, Berlin and West Germany. It just keeps going and going.....

Germany is a very complex but interesting country to collect.

Enjoy!
Dan

How can I make my own stamp pages?
And a second question.
There are any good literature for learning better the german stamps?
(Mostly In english but and german)
Furthermore if I start collecting from west berlin ddr you suggest to buy used stamps or unmounted mint?

Thats for now.
Thanks

McBarry, again its your preference...i like a nicely cancelled postally used copy...many others prefer pristine unused stamps !!

I have a German collection and am intrigued with the countries that Germany invaded and took over government power. Many of my stamps are from the Nazi occupation and have been stamped with German postage marks.

I have had trouble finding a good German stamp cataloged that is not in German, so these links were very helpful!

Regarding making your own pages, first start with good quality paper. Stamp supply companies sell paper specifically for this purpose, although it can be pretty expensive. Something a bit heavier than normal printing pager would be best. You can probably find something that would work at your local office supply store.

I have seen a number of collections on graph paper, which makes placement of stamps on self-designed pages much easier. But I don't know what the quality of graph paper is these days.

You could then purchase a CD of printable album pages. I see that seller kdzeik on ebay is offering some. Or you could design them yourself using MSWord or some other such word processing software.